These Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are soft, fluffy, and packed with buttery goodness. They bake in a pool of melted butter, giving them a crispy bottom and a tender crumb.
I love enjoying these with honey or jam, but let’s be real—eating them right out of the oven is the best! Just watch out for the melted butter; it can be a slippery situation! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the biscuits. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. I find that brands like Bob’s Red Mill work well in recipes like this.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds delicious flavor and tenderness. If you’re out, just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives you a good substitute!
Unsalted butter: The melted butter gives these biscuits their rich flavor and golden color. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half of the melted butter with olive oil or even yogurt for a surprising twist!
Cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but feel free to swap it for your favorite cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
Breakfast sausage: This is optional, but I think it adds a great heartiness. You can use turkey sausage or even leave it out entirely for a lighter biscuit. Cooked bacon bits work too!
How Do You Get the Perfect Biscuit Texture?
Getting that delightful biscuit texture is all about mixing the dough lightly. Be careful not to overmix! When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ones, stop as soon as the flour disappears. This helps keep the biscuits fluffy.
- Use a spatula to gently fold ingredients. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Letting the batter rest for a minute or two can help too; it allows the flour to absorb the buttermilk and makes for a lighter biscuit.
- Pour the melted butter on top of the batter before baking. This is key for that buttery bottom and helps create that crispy texture.
Remember, the biscuits might look a little uneven, but they will rise beautifully in the oven. Enjoy your buttery creation!

Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for the pan)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Optional: 1/2 pound breakfast sausage or ground breakfast meat (cooked and seasoned)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious, buttery biscuits ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, generously butter a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until they are well blended. This will make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour in the melted butter and buttermilk. Gently stir the mixture with a spoon or spatula just until everything is combined—don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
4. Add Cheese:
Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, distributing it evenly throughout.
5. Prepare the Sausage Layer (Optional):
If you’re using sausage, spread the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This adds extra flavor and heartiness!
6. Layering the Batter:
Now, spoon half of your biscuit batter over the sausage, gently spreading it to cover. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
7. More Cheese and Sausage:
Next, sprinkle any leftover sausage (if using) and the remaining cheese over that layer of batter.
8. Add the Final Batter Layer:
Spoon the remaining biscuit batter over the top, spreading it gently to cover. You want all that delicious filling hidden inside!
9. The Butter Swim:
Finally, pour any leftover melted butter over the top of the batter. This is what creates that lovely, buttery, crispy bottom that we all love!
10. Bake:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the buttery goodness settle a bit.
12. Enjoy:
Serve these biscuits warm, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of jam, or just enjoy them plain for a delightful breakfast treat!
These Breakfast Butter Swim Biscuits are sure to become a favorite with their deliciously cheesy and buttery flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. If you do, consider adding a tablespoon more of buttermilk to help maintain moisture in the biscuits.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using for an effective substitute!
How Should I Store Leftover Biscuits?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Biscuits?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in cooked veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or spices like garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor. Just ensure that any added moisture doesn’t make the batter too runny.



